DIVERSITY  Of 

WORTH  CAROLINA 

^@hool  of  Libr&ry 

Science 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

University  of  North  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hil 


http://archive.org/details/usefulannieotherOOphil 


USEFUL  ANNIE. 


AND    OTHER 


VERSES  FOR  CHILDREN. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

HENRY    LONGSTKETH, 

847    MARKET    STREET. 

1857. 


SHERMAN    &    SON.    PRINTERS 

19  Si.  J  times  Street. 


8524G4 


VERSES  FOR  CHILDREN. 


USEFUL  ANNIE. 

Happy  Annie !  useful  Annie  ! 

Never  cheerless, — never  dull ; 
Toils  she  has,  and  cares  a  many, 

Yet  a  heart  of  gladness  full. 

Annie  is  a  poor  man's  daughter ; 

And  her  tender  mother  had, 
Almost  from  a  baby,  taught  her 

That  the  useful  are  the  glad. 


USEFUL    ANNIE. 

Soon  her  small  hands,  round  and  rosy, 
Learned  to  fill  her  porridge  bowl ; 

And  to  pluck  the  Sabbath  posy, 
For  her  father's  button-hole. 

Soon  to  twine  the  sweet  clematis, 
Trimly  round  the  window  sill ; 

And  to  train  the  "painted  ladies,"* 
And  to  tie  the  bright  jonquil. 

Soon  to  pull  the  water-cresses ; 

Choosing  each  with  skill  and  care, 
From  the  brooklet's  weedy  tresses, 

Tangled  in  confusion  there. 

And  as  Annie  older  groweth, 
Cares  increase  on  every  side ; 

But  the  stream  of  joy  still  floweth, 
And  its  founts  are  multiplied. 

*  Sweet  Peas. 


USEFUL    ANNIE. 

When  the  light  of  morning  breaketh, 

Early  on  the  purple  hill, 
From  her  pillow  she  upwaketh, 

While  the  lambs  are  sleeping  still. 

And  she  moveth  softly — lightly, 

Lest  the  baby  be  aroused ; 
But  her  step  grows  quick  and  sprightly, 

When  the  cottage  door  is  closed. 

With  her  pitcher  lightly  poised, 
Hastes  she  to  the  forest  spring ; 

Not  the  woodlark  sweeter  voiced, 
As  the  twain,  in  concert,  sing. 

Ah  !  she  has  no  time  to  linger 
With  the  woodlark  by  the  well ; 

Household  duties  quickly  bring  her 
Back,  with  dearer  things  to  dwell. 


USEFUL    ANNIE. 

At  her  touch  the  cold  hearth  glistens 
With  the  crackling  fagot  bright ; 

And  the  wakened  baby  listens, 
Laughing,  crowing,  with  delight. 

While  the  merry  kettle  hummeth, 
With  a  good  old-fashioned  hiss, 

From  his  work  the  father  cometh, 
With  his  blessing,  and  a  kiss. 

Sweet  and  kindly,  blithe  and  cheery, 
Is  the  morning's  first  repast, 

Ere  men's  hearts  and  hands  grow  weary, 
With  the  sunshine  or  the  blast ! 

Countless  duties  quickly  call  her, 
As  the  hours  of  morning  move ; 

But  her  burden  cannot  gall  her, 
For  "the  yoke  is  lined  with  love." 


USEFUL    ANNIE. 

While  the  idle  soon  grow  fretful, 
Long  ere  noontide,  tired  and  sad, 

Annie  finds,  though  self-forgetful, 
That  the  useful  are  the  glad ! 

Like  some  pleasant  stream  that  floweth, 
Cheering,  brightening,  as  it  goes, 

While  itself  but  little  knoweth 
Aught  of  all  the  good  it  does, 

Onward  moves  she,  little  guessing 
Half  the  solace  and  the  cheer, 

Half  the  comfort,  and  the  blessing, 
Which  she  scatters,  wide  and  near. 

Yet,  how  many  a  flower  would  wither, 
If  the  pleasant  stream  be  dried  ! 

And  how  many  hearts,  together, 
Would  lament,  if  Annie  died ! 


GOD  EVERYWHERE. 

God  made  the  world, — in  every  land 
His  love  and  power  abound  : 

All  are  protected  by  His  hand, 
As  well  as  British  ground. 

The  Indian  hut,  the  British  cot, 

Alike  His  care  must  own ; 
Though  savage  nations  know  Him  not, 

But  worship  wood  and  stone. 

He  sees  and  governs  distant  lands, 
And  constant  bounty  pours, 

From  wild  Arabia's  burning  sands 
To  Lapland's  frozen  shores. 


GOD    EVERYWHERE. 

In  forest  shades  and  silent  plains, 
Where  feet  have  never  trod, 

There,  in  majestic  power,  He  reigns, 
An  ever-present  God. 

All  the  inhabitants  of  earth, 
Who  dwell  beneath  the  sun, 

Of  different  nations,  name,  and  birth, 
He  knows  them  every  one. 

Alike  the  rich  and  poor  are  known, 
The  cultured  and  the  wild; 

The  lofty  monarch  on  the  throne, 
And  every  little  child. 

While  He  regards  the  wise  and  fair, 

The  noble  and  the  brave, 
He  listens  to  the  beggar's  prayer, 

And  the  poor  negro  slave. 


10  GOD    EVERYWHERE. 

He  knows  the  worthy  and  the  vile, 
And  sends  His  mercies  down ; 

None  are  too  mean  to  share  His  smile, 
Or  to  provoke  His  frown. 

Great  God !  and  since  thy  piercing  eye 
My  inmost  heart  can  see, 

Teach  me  from  every  sin  to  fly, 
And  turn  that  heart  to  Thee. 


11 


EAELY  PIETY. 

Some  little  children,  young  in  years, 
Their  bless'd  Redeemer  know, 

And  when  they're  naughty,  precious  tears 
For  having  grieved  Him,  flow. 

Then  tenderness  and  heavenly  love 
With  peace  rest  in  their  mind, 

And  all  their  little  ways  do  prove 
That  God's  love  makes  them  kind. 

And  often,  when  they  sit  alone, 

His  Spirit  makes  them  pray ; 
The  Shepherd's  voice  to  them  is  known, 

They  hear  it,  and  obey. 


12  EARLY    PIETY. 

And  in  the  darkness  of  the  night. 
Whilst  on  their  beds  they  lie, 

They  feel  the  darkness  and  the  light 
Are  open  to  His  eye. 

And  sometimes  tears  of  heavenly  joy 

Upon  their  face  are  seen ; 
Sweet,  silent  tears !  without  alloy, 

That  flow  where  God  has  been. 

And  not  unheeded  do  they  flow, 
The  children's  contrite  sigh 

And  humble  tears,  the  Lord  doth  know, 
He  hears  their  plaintive  cry. 

Father  of  all !  he  soothes  their  woe, 
And  is  forever  nigh. 


13 


THE  SWALLOWS. 

Where  are  the  swallows  gone,  mamma  ? 

I  have  missed  them  many  a  day! 
And  there  were  so  many !  what  could  it  be 

That  has  frightened  them  all  away? 
The  robins  and  sparrows  still  come  to  our  door, 
But  the  beautiful  swallows  are  seen  no  more. 

They  are  gone,  my  boy,  to  a  warmer  clime, 

Over  the  deep,  deep  sea, 
Where  the  Summer  in  all  its  glorious  prime, 

Still  smiles  upon  lake  and  tree ; 
Where  the  sunbeams  dance  mid  the  gushing  springs- 
They  are  there,  my  boy,  with  their  glancing  wings. 


14  THE    SWALLOWS. 

But  who  told  them,  mamma,  which  way  to  go, 

In  search  of  that  sunny  land  ? 
Oh !  how  could  such  tiny  creatures  know 

What  I  hardly  understand  ? 
Their  eyes  could  not  see  that  far-off  sky, 
Then  how  could  they  know  which  way  to  fly  ? 

God  was  their  teacher,  my  wondering  child, 
And  He  watched  o'er  each  tiny  thing  ; 

He  led  them  aright  o'er  the  watery  wild, 
And  strengthened  each  weary  wing. 

That  God,  whose  words  in  the  Scriptures  tell 

Of  a  cloudless  land  where  we  too  may  dwell. 

And  He  warns  us  that  here,  in  this  changeful  earth, 

We  must  quit  our  dwelling  soon  ; 
But  He  points  to  a  Heaven,  where  no  pain  has  birth, 

And  He  offers  to  guide  us  home. 
But  let  this,  my  sweet  one,  a  lesson  be, — 
The  fowls  of  the  air  have  more  faith  than  we. 


15 


THE  TWO  PILGRIMS. 

Two  little  pilgrims  on  their  way, 
I  met  upon  life's  road  one  day ; 
One  wished  for  earthly  pleasures  given, 
The  other  asked  the  way  to  Heaven. 

0,  happy  was  the  child  who  trod 
The  path  that  upward  leads  to  God ! 
Thrice  happy !  for  the  Saviour's  voice 
Allured  him  on  and  blest  his  choice. 

But  ah  !  that  poor  mistaken  one, 
Who  chose  the  fatal  race  to  run ! 
I  saw  him  tread  on  ruin's  verge, 
And  heard  below  the  roaring  surge. 


16  BEWARE. 

How  low  he  fell  I  could  not  see  ! 
Haste  thou,  the  path  of  danger  flee  : 
These  pilgrims  and  their  choice  survey, 
Behold  their  end,  and  choose  thy  way. 


BEWARE. 


"  A  little  theft,  a  small  deceit, 

Too  often  leads  to  more ; 
'Tis  hard  at  first,  but  tempts  the  feet, 

As  through  an  open  door. 
Just  as  the  broadest  rivers  run 

From  small  and  distant  springs  : 
The  greatest  crimes  that  men  have  done, 

Have  grown  from  little  things." 


17 


TRUST  IN  PROVIDENCE. 

On  a  bridge  I  was  standing  one  morning, 
And  watching  the  current  roll  by, 

When  suddenly  into  the  water 
There  fell  an  unfortunate  fly. 

The  fishes  that  swam  to  the  surface, 
Were  looking  for  something  to  eat ; 

And  I  thought  that  the  helpless  young  insect 
Would  surely  afford  them  a  treat. 

"  Poor  thing,"  I  exclaimed,  with  compassion, 
"  Thy  trials  and  dangers  abound, 

For  if  thou  escap'st  being  eaten, 

Thou  canst  not  escape  being  drowned." 
2 


18  TRUST    IN    PROVIDENCE. 

No  sooner  the  sentence  was  spoken, 
Than  lo !  like  an  angel  of  love, 

I  saw,  to  the  waters  beneath  me, 
A  leaflet  descend  from  above. 

It  glided  serene  on  the  streamlet : 
'Twas  an  ark  to  the  poor  little  fly ; 

Which,  soon  to  the  land  reascending, 
Spread  its  wings  in  the  breezes  to  dry. 

Oh  !  sweet  was  the  truth  that  was  whispered, 
That  mortals  should  never  despair ; 

For  He  who  takes  care  of  an  insect, 
Much  more  for  his  children  will  care. 

And  though,  to  our  short-sighted  vision, 
No  way  of  escape  may  appear ; 

Let  us  trust,  for  when  least  we  expect  it, 
The  help  of  "our  Father"  is  near. 


19 


THE  GREEN  PASTURES. 

I  walked  in  a  field  of  fresh  clover  this  morn, 
Where  lambs  played  so  merrily  under  the  trees, 

Or  rubbed  their  soft  coats  on  a  naked  old  thorn, 
Or  nibbled  their  clover,  or  rested  at  ease  : 

And  under  the  hedge  ran  a  clear-water  brook, 

To  drink  from  when  thirsty,  or  weary  with  play  ; 

And  so  gay  did  the  daisies  and  butterflies  look, 

That  I  thought  little  lambs  must  be  happy  all  day  ! 

And  when  I  remembered  the  beautiful  Psalm, 
That  tells  of  the  Lord,  and  his  pastures  so  green, 

I  know  He  is  willing  to  make  me  His  lamb, 
And  happier,  far,  than  the  lambs  I  had  seen. 


20  THE    GREEN    PASTURES. 

If  I  drink  of  the  waters,  so  peaceful  and  still, 
That  flow  in  His  fields,  I  forever  shall  live ; 

If  I  love  Him,  and  seek  His  commands  to  fulfil, 
A  place  in  His  sheepfold  to  me  He  will  give. 

The  lambs  are  at  peace  in  the  field  where  they  play, 
The  long  summer  day  in  contentment  they  spend  ; 

But  happier  I,  if  in  God's  holy  way, 

I  try  to  walk  always  with  Christ  for  my  friend. 


21 


«  LOVE  ONE  ANOTHER.'' 

Children,  do  you  love  each  other  ? 

Are  you  always  kind  and  true  ? 
Do  you  always  do  to  others 

As  you'd  have  them  do  to  you  ? 
Are  you  gentle  to  each  other  ? 

Are  you  careful,  day  by  dajr, 
Not  to  give  offence  by  actions, 

Or  by  any  thing  you  say  ? 

Little  children,  love  each  other, 
Never  give  another  pain  ; 

If  your  brother  speak  in  anger, 
Answer  not  in  wrath  again. 


22  another's  faults. 

Be  not  selfish  to  each  other, — 
Never  mar  another's  rest ; 

Strive  to  make  each  other  happy, 
And  you  will  yourselves  be  blest. 


ANOTHER'S  FAULTS. 

What  are  another's  faults  to  me  ? 

I've  not  a  vulture's  bill, 
To  pick  at  every  flaw  I  see, 

And  make  it  wider  still. 

It  is  enough  for  me  to  know 

I've  follies  of  my  own, 
And  on  my  heart  the  care  bestow 

And  let  my  friends  alone. 


A  MINUTE. 

A  minute  !  how  soon  it  is  flown, 
And  yet  how  important  it  is  ! 
God  calls  every  moment  his  own, 
For  all  our  existence  is  His  ; 
And  though  we  may  waste  them  in  folly  and  play, 
He  notices  each  that  we  squander  away. 

Why  should  we  a  minute  despise  ? 

Because  it  so  quickly  is  o'er  ? 
We  know  that  it  rapidly  flies, 

And  therefore  should  prize  it  the  more  : 
Another,  indeed,  may  appear  in  its  stead, 
But  that  precious  moment  forever  is  fled. 


24  A     MINUTE. 

'Tis  easy  to  squander  our  years, 

In  idleness,  folly,  or  strife  ; 
But  oh  !  no  repentance  or  tears, 
Can  bring  back  one  moment  of  life. 
But  time,  if  well  spent,  and  improved  as  it  goes, 
Will  render  life  pleasant,  and  peaceful  its  close. 

And  when  all  the  minutes  are  past, 
Which  God  for  our  portion  has  given, 

We  shall  cheerfully  welcome  the  last, 
If  it  safely  conduct  us  to  Heaven. 


25 


THE  SPARROW. 

"Who  formed  the  little  sparrow, 
And  gave  him  wings  to  fly  ? 
Who  shields  him  from  the  arrow 
When  flying  in  the  sky  ? 
Oar  Father,  God,  who  reigns  in  heaven, 
By  whom  are  all  our  blessings  given. 

And  who  a  dress  provides  him, 

So  beautiful  and  warm  ? 

Who  in  the  shelter  hides  him 

Amid  the  raging  storm  ? 

Our  Father,  God,  extends  his  care 

Through  heaven  and  earth,  and  sea  and  air 


25  THE     SPARROW. 

And  who  so  gently  leads  him 

Far  from  the  fowler's  snare  ? 
And  who  so  kindly  feeds  him, 
And  shows  such  tender  care  ? 
Our  Father,  God,  who  stoops  to  show 
His  grace  to  creatures  here  below. 

Does  God  full  many  a  favor 

To  little  sparrows  give  ? 
And  shall  we  not  endeavor 
By  Faith  on  Him  to  live  ? 
Our  Father,  God,  who  reigns  above, 
Is  worthy  of  our  highest  love. 


27 


THE  CHILD'S  DESIRE. 

Jesus  said,  "Suffer  little  children,  and  forbid  them  not,  to  come  unto 
me." — Matt.  19  :  14. 

1  think  when  I  read  that  sweet  story  of  old, 

When  Jesus  was  here  amongst  men, 
II ow  He  called  little  children  as  lambs  to  His  fold, 

I  should  like  to  have  been  with  them  then. 

I  wish  that  His  hand  had  been  placed  on  my  head, 
That  His  arm  had  been  thrown  around  me, 

And  that  I  might  have  heard  His  kind  voice  when 
He  said, 
"  Let  the  little  ones  come  unto  me." 


28  the   child's   desire. 

Yet  still  to  His  footstool  in  prayer  I  may  go, 

And  ask  for  a  share  in  His  love ; 
And  if  I  thus  earnestly  seek  Him  below, 

I  shall  see  Him  and  hear  Him  above, 

In  that  beautiful  place  He  has  gone  to  prepare. 

For  all  who  are  washed  and  forgiven  ; 
And  many  dear  children  are  gathering  there, 

"  For  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  Heaven." 

I  long  for  the  joy  of  that  glorious  time, 
The  sweetest,  and  brightest,  and  best, 

When  the  dear  little  children  of  every  clime 
Shall  crowd  to  His  arms,  and  be  blest. 


29 


THE  WORM; 

OR,    THE   DUTY   OF   HUMANITY. 

Turn,  turn  thy  hasty  foot  aside, 
Nor  crush  that  helpless  worm ! 

The  frame  thy  wayward  looks  deride, 
Required  a  God  to  form. 

The  common  Lord  of  all  that  move, 
From  whom  thy  being  flowed, 

A  portion  of  His  boundless  love 
On  that  poor  worm  bestowed. 

The  sun,  the  moon,  the  stars,  He  made 

For  all  His  creatures  free ; 
And  spread  o'er  earth  the  grassy  blade 

For  worms  as  well  as  thee. 


30  HONORING     PARENTS. 

Let  them  enjoy  their  little  day, 
Their  humble  bliss  receive  : 

Oh  !  do  not  lightly  take  away 
The  life  thou  canst  not  give. 


HONORING  PARENTS. 

My  Father  and  Mother,  how  faithful  and  tender 
To  me  they  have  been,  ever  since  I  remember ; 
I  must  hear  their  instructions,  and  heed  what  they  say. 
And  all  their  commands  I  must  strive  to  obey. 


THE  STORK'S  LESSON. 

See  the  Stork  laborious  tending, 
Onward  through  the  vaulted  sky, 

"Neath  those  aged  pinions  bending, 
That  had  taught  his  own  to  fly. 

Still  his  parents'  burden  bearing, 
Patient  o'er  the  trackless  way ; 

Fondly  for  their  comfort  caring, 
Never  wearied,  night  or  day. 

Father,  when  thy  head  is  hoary, 
When  thine  eye  is  dim  with  shade, 

Will  it  be  my  aim  and  glory 
Thy  declining  steps  to  aid  ? 


32  the   stork's  lesson. 

Mother,  when  thy  spirits  languish, 

When  thy  strength  and  youth  are  spent, 

Shall  I  seek  to  soothe  thine  anguish, 
Thou  who  o'er  my  cradle  bent  ? 

Ever  tireless,  kind,  and  tender, 

Shall  I  watch  lest  they  be  grieved  ; 

And  the  same  affections  render, 
That  I  once  from  them  received  ? 

Blessed  lesson,  gentle  teacher, 

May  it  not  be  lost  on  me, 
Lest  a  simple  winged  creature 

Should  my  just  reprover  be. 


33 


"  WEE  WISE  WILLIE." 

"Wee  Willie  was  a  thoughtful  lad ; 
A  pale  and  placid  face  he  had, 
So  pensive — it  was  almost  sad. 

But  when  he  smiled,  there  was  a  look 
That  sparkled  like  a  bubbling  brook 
Of  gladness,  in  some  secret  nook. 

The  flush  of  health,  with  ruddy  streak, 
Had  never  crossed  his  pallid  cheek, 
Yet  was  he  placid,  cheerful,  meek. 

Inured  to  pain  from  infant  days, 
He  never  joined  in  childhood's  plays, 
Nor  seem'd  a  child,  in  mind  or  ways. 

3 


34  aWEE     WISE     WILLIE." 

Yet  never  seemed  to  think  his  joys 
Were  fewer  than  were  other  boys', 
Nor  grudged  he  them  their  fun  and  noise. 

His  silent  pleasures  were  to  him, 
Nor  wearisome,  nor  dull,  nor  dim, — 
A  cup  whose  waters  kissed  the  brim ! 

A  blade  of  grass  beneath  a  shower, — 
The  stone-crop  on  the  old  kirk  tower, — 
The  shadow  underneath  a  flower, — 

A  gleam  of  light, — a  drop  of  dew, — 
The  darkening  of  a  berry's  hue, — 
His  silent  contemplation  drew. 

He  knew  each  common  herb  and  plant, 
JCach  small  bird's  song,  and  name,  and  haunt, 
Ere  it  had  finished  half  a  chant. 


"WEE    WISE    WILLIE."  35 

Each  planet's  course  he  could  define, 

And  knew  what  groups  of  stars  would  shine, 

And  knew  the  zodiac's  every  sign. 

He  knew  the  outlet  and  the  source 
Of  every  streamlet's  whimpling  course, 
Adown  the  glen  and  past  the  moors. 

His  footstep  was  so  soft  to  hear, 
That  fearful  creatures  lost  their  fear, 
And  seem'd  to  love  his  coming  near. 

The  timid  hare  just  stopped  to  see 
What  gentle  rustle  it  might  be, 
Then  ate  her  supper  leisurely. 


The  rabbit  skurried  as  before, 
Amongst  the  bracken  on  the  r 
Until  its  fit  of  fan  was  o'er. 


36  "WEE    WISE    WILLIE." 

The  tawny  field-mouse  saw  him  pass, 
And  never  stirred  from  where  he  was, 
But  sat  and  ate  his  ear  of  grass. 

And  when  he  laid  him  down  to  rest, 
The  little  wren  with  golden  crest, 
Did  sit  and  watch  him,  from  her  nest. 

The  squirrels  loved  and  trusted  him, 
And  came  to  sip  the  forest  stream, 
Though  he  were  close  beside  its  brim. 

And  other  boys,  though  rude  and  wild, 
Looked  up  to  him,  so  sweet  and  mild, 
As  more  an  angel  than  a  child ! 

He  cooled  the  flush  of  angry  pride, 
And  made  harsh  wranglings  to  subside, 
And  fists,  hard  clenched,  to  open  wide. 


"WEE    "WISE    WILLIE."  37 

The  poacher  hid  away  his  gun, 
Lest  it  should  pain  that  gentle  one, 
To  think  what  evil  it  had  done. 

And  lawless  boys  he  could  constrain 
To  let  the  linnet's  nest  remain, 
And  put  the  nestlings  back  again. 

His  gentle  nature  even  told 

On  passions  dark,  and  bad,  and  bold, 

In  creatures  of  inferior  mould. 

The  brindled  mastiff,  rough  and  grim, 
Swelling  with  rage  in  every  limb, 
Would  sleeken  when  he  looked  at  him. 

His  influence  o'er  the  will  and  mind 
Lay  not  in  being  good  and  kind ; 
Subdued  by  suffering,  and  refined,. 


"WEE    WISE    WILLIE. 

But  in  a  heaven-imparted  grace, 
The  shining  of  his  Saviour's  face, 
Which  left,  on  every  look,  its  trace. 

It  was  a  solemn  sight,  they  say, 
To  watch  him,  on  a  Sabbath  day, 
When  evening  on  the  mountains  lay, 

Reclining  on  some  grassy  mound, 
Telling  to  children,  cluster'd  round, 
What  a  dear  Saviour  he  had  found. 

And  gray-hair'd  list'ners  oft  would  hide, 
Behind  the  yew-tree  at  his  side, 
To  hear  him  tell  why  Jesus  died. 

But  soon  a  message,  full  of  love, 
Came  downward  from  the  courts  above, 
And  called  him  thither  to  remove. 


"WEE    WISE    WILLIE."  39 

He  heard  it, — and  no  longer  had 
That  look  so  pensive, — almost  sad, — 
His  face  grew  radiant,  then,  and  glad. 

It  was  a  very  narrow  stream, 
Betwixt  his  heavenly  rest  and  him, 
For  he  had  lived  beside  its  brim. 

So  passed  he,  almost  dry-shod,  o'er ; 
And  landed  on  that  blissful  shore, 
Where  pain  is  banished,  evermore.* 

His  course  was  finished.    Nor  complain 
That  his  earth-mission  was  in  vain, 
Though  wrought  in  weariness  and  pain. 

His  silent  footsteps  left  their  dint 
In  hidden  nooks ; — a  hallowed  print ! 
A  line  of  light,  of  heavenly  tint ! 

f  "  Neither  shall  there  be  any  more  pain." — Revelations,  21:4. 


40 


THE  CHILD'S  WISH. 

I  want  to  be  an  Angel, 

And  with  the  Angels  stand, 
A  crown  upon  my  forehead, 

A  harp  within  my  hand. 
There,  right  before  my  Saviour, 

So  glorious  and  so  bright, 
I'd  wake  the  sweetest  music, 

And  praise  Him  day  and  night. 

I  never  should  be  weary, 

Nor  ever  shed  a  tear, 
Nor  ever  know  a  sorrow, 

Nor  ever  feel  a  fear ; 
But  blessed,  pure,  and  holy, 

I'd  dwell  in  Jesus'  sight, 


THE    CHILD'S    WISH.  41 

And  with  ten  thousand  thousands, 
Praise  Him  both  day  and  night. 

I  know  I'm  weak  and  sinful, 

But  Jesus  will  forgive ; 
For  many  little  children 

Have  gone  to  heaven  to  live. 
Dear  Saviour,  when  I  languish, 

And  lay  me  down  to  die, 
0  send  a  shining  Angel 

To  bear  me  to  the  sky. 

Oh !  there  I'll  be  an  Angel, 

And  with  the  Angels  stand, 
A  crown  upon  my  forehead, 

A  harp  within  my  hand ; 
And  there,  before  my  Saviour, 

So  glorious  and  so  bright, 
I'll  join  the  heavenly  music, 

And  praise  Him  day  and  night. 


42 


CHILDREN  AT  THE  GATE  OF  HEAVEN. 

Little  travellers  Zionward, 

Each  one  entering  into  rest, 
In  the  kingdom  of  your  Lord, 

In  the  mansions  of  the  blest ; 
There,  to  welcome,  Jesus  waits, 

Gives  the  crowns  his  followers  win : 
Lift  your  heads,  ye  golden  gates  ! 

Let  the  little  travellers  in  ! 

Who  are  they,  whose  little  feet, 
Pacing  life's  dark  journey  through, 

Now  have  reached  that  heavenly  seat 
They  had  ever  kept  in  view  ? 


CIIILDEEN    AT    THE    GATE    OF    HEAVEN.      43 

"  I  from  Greenland's  frozen  strand  ;" 
"  I  from  India's  sultry  plain  ;" 

"  I  from  Afric's  barren  sand ;" 
"  I  from  islands  of  the  main." 

"  All  our  earthly  journey  past, 

Every  tear  and  pain  gone  by, 
Here  together  met  at  last, 

At  the  portal  of  the  sky, 
Each  the  welcome  '  Come  !'  awaits, 

Conquerors  over  death  and  sin." 
Lift  your  heads,  ye  golden  gates  ! 

Let  the  little  travellers  in  ! 


44 


THE  STRAYED  LAMB. 

Matt.  18  :  12,  13. 

A  giddy  lamb,  one  afternoon, 

Had  from  the  fold  departed ; 
The  tender  Shepherd  missed  it  soon, 

And  sought  it,  broken-hearted ; 
Not  all  the  flock,  that  shared  his  love, 

Could  from  the  search  delay  him ; 
Nor  clouds  of  midnight  darkness  move, 

Nor  fear  of  suffering  stay  him. 

But,  night  and  day,  he  went  his  way, 
In  sorrow,  till  he  found  it ; 

And  when  he  saw  it  fainting  lie, 
He  clasped  his  arms  around  it ; 


THE     STRAYED    LAMB.  45 

And  closely  sheltered  in  his  breast, 

From  every  ill  to  save  it, 
He  brought  it  to  his  home  of  rest, 

And  pitied,  and  forgave  it. 

And  so  the  Saviour  will  receive 

The  little  ones  that  fear  Him ; 
Their  pains  remove,  their  sins  forgive, 

And  draw  them  gently  near  Him ; 
Bless  while  they  live,  and  when  they  die, 

When  soul  and  body  sever, 
Conduct  them  to  His  home  on  high, 

To  dwell  with  Him  forever. 


' 


46 


I  OFTEN  SAY  MY  PRAYERS. 

I  often  say  my  prayers, 

But  do  I  ever  pray  ? 
Or  do  the  wishes  of  my  heart 

Dictate  the  words  I  say  ? 

'Tis  useless  to  implore, 

Unless  I  feel  I  need ; 
Unless  'tis  from  a  sense  of  want 

That  all  my  words  proceed. 

I  might  as  well  kneel  down, 
And  worship  gods  of  stone, 

As  offer  to  the  living  God 
A  prayer  of  words  alone. 


I    OFTEN     SAY    MY    PRAYERS.  47 

Lord,  teach  me  what  I  want, 

And  teach  me  how  to  pray ; 
Nor  let  me  e'er  implore  thy  grace, 

Not  feeling  what  I  say. 


Doth  not  each  rain-drop  help  to  form 

The  cool  refreshing  shower ; 
And  every  ray  of  light  to  warm 

And  beautify  the  flower  ? 
Then  let  each  child  its  influence  give, 

0  Lord,  to  truth  and  Thee ; 
So  shall  its  power  by  all  be  felt, 

However  small  it  be. 


4S 


CONSIDER  THE  LILIES. 

See  the  Lily  on  the  bed, 
Hanging  down  its  modest  head  ; 
While  it  scarcely  can  be  seen, 
Folded  in  its  leaf  of  green. 
Pretty  lilies  seem  to  be 
Emblems  of  humility. 

'Tis  not  beauty  that  we  prize, — 
Like  a  summer  flower  it  dies ; 
But  humility  will  last, 
Fair  and  sweet  when  beauty 's  past 
And  the  Saviour,  from  above, 
Views  an  humble  child  with  love. 


49 


"MY  FATHER'S  AT  THE  HELM," 

The  curling  waves,  with  artful  roar. 

A  little  bark  assailed, 
And  pallid  fear's  distracting  power 

O'er  all  on  board  prevailed ; 

Save  one — the  captain's  darling  child. 
Who  steadfast  viewed  the  storm, 

And  cheerful,  with  composure  smiled 
At  danger's  threatening  form. 

"  Why  sport'st  thou  thus,"  a  seaman  cried. 

"  While  terrors  overwhelm  ?" 
"  Why  should  I  fear  ?"  the  boy  replied. 

"My  father's  at  the  helm!" 

4 


50  my   father's  at  the  helm. 

So  when  our  worldly  all  is  reft, 

Our  earthly  helper  gone, 
We  still  have  one  true  anchor  left, — 

God  helps,  and  He  alone. 

He  to  our  prayers  will  bend  an  ear, 
He  gives  our  pangs  relief; 

He  turns  to  smiles  each  trembling  tear, 
To  joy  each  torturing  grief. 

Then  turn  to  Him  mid  sorrows  wild, 
When  wants  and  woes  o'erwhelm, 

Eememb'ring,  like  the  fearless  child, 
Our  Father's  at  the  helm. 


51 


THE  MEADOWS. 

We'll  go  to  the  meadows  where  cowslips  do  grow, 

And  buttercups,  looking  as  yellow  as  gold, 
And  daisies  and  violets  beginning  to  blow ; 

For  it  is  a  most  beautiful  sight  to  behold. 
The  little  bee  humming  about  them  is  seen, 

The  butterfly  merrily  dances  along, 
The  grasshopper  chirps  in  the  hedges  of  green, 

And  the  linnet  is  singing  his  liveliest  song. 
The  birds  and  the  insects  are  happy  and  gay, 

The  beasts  of  the  field  they  are  glad,  and  rejoice ; 
And  we  will  be  thankful  to  God  every  day, 

And  praise  His  great  name  in  a  loftier  voice. 
He  made  the  green  meadows,  He  planted  the  flowers, 

He  sent  His  bright  sun  in  the  heavens  to  blaze ; 
He  created  these  wonderful  bodies  of  ours, 

And  as  long  as  we  live  we  will  sing  of  His  praise. 


52 


OMNISCIENCE  AND  OMNIPRESENCE. 

Father  of  Spirits,  Nature's  God, 
Our  thoughts  are  known  to  Thee ; 

Thou,  Lord,  canst  hear  each  idle  word, 
And  every  action  see. 

In  vain  may  guilt  attempt  to  fly, 

Concealed  by  darkest  night ; 
One  glance  from  thy  all-piercing  eye 

Can  bring  it  all  to  light. 

Search  Thou  our  hearts,  and  there  destroy 

Each  secret  bosom  sin ; 
And  fit  us  for  those  realms  of  joy, 

That  we  may  enter  in. 


GIVE  TO  HIM  THAT  ASKETH  THEE. 

Matt.  5  :  42. 

0 !  stay  not  thy  hand,  when  the  winter  winds  rude, 
Blow  cold  through  the  dwelling  of  want  and  despair, 

To  ask  if  misfortune  has  come  to  the  good, 

Or  if  folly  has  wrought  the  wreck  that  is  there. 

When  the  heart-stricken  wanderer  asks  thee  for  bread, 
In  suffering  he  bows  to  necessity's  laws ; 

When  the  wife  moans  in  sadness,  the  children  unfed, 
The  cup  must  be  bitter — oh  ask  not  the  cause. 

When  the  Saviour  of  men  raised  his  finger  to  heal, 
Did  He  ask  if  the  sufferer  were  Gentile  or  Jew  ? 

When  the  thousands  were  fed  with  the   bountiful 
meal, 
Did  He  give  it  alone  to  the  faithful  and  few  ? 


54  HUMILITY. 

0  scan  not  too  closely  the  frailties  of  those, 

"Whose  bosoms  may  bleed  on  a  cold  winter's  day, 

But  give  to  the  friendless  who  tells  thee  his  woes, 
And   from  him  that  would   borrow,  0  turn  not 
away ! 


HUMILITY. 

The  bird  that  soars  on  highest  wing, 
Builds  on  the  ground  her  lowly  nest ; 

And  she  that  doth  most  sweetly  sing, 
Sings  in  the  shade  when  all  things  rest. 

In  lark  and  nightingale  we  see 

What  honor  hath  humility. 


55 


EVENING  TWILIGHT. 

I  love  to  steal  awhile  away, 
From  every  cumbering  care, 

And  spend  the  hours  of  setting  day, 
In  humble,  grateful  prayer. 

I  love  in  solitude  to  shed, 

The  penitential  tear, 
And  all  His  promises  to  plead, 

Where  none  but  God  can  hear. 

I  love  to  think  on  mercies  past, 
And  future  good  implore, 

And  all  my  cares  and  sorrows  cast 
On  Him  whom  I  adore. 


56  EVENING     TWILIGHT. 

I  love  by  faith  to  take  a  view 
Of  brighter  scenes  in  Heaven ; 

The  prospect  doth  my  strength  renew 
While  here  by  tempests  driven. 

Thus,  when  life's  toilsome  day  is  o'er. 

May  its  departing  ray 
Be  calm  as  this  impressive  hour, 

And  lead  to  endless  day. 


57 


WHAT  SHALL  I  WISH  THEE? 

What  shall  I  wish  thee,  my  darling  boy  ? 
Shall  I  wish  thee  a  life  of  unclouded  joy, — 
That  the  hours  shall  pass  like  the  summer  wind, 
And  leave  not  a  trace  of  v^oe  behind  ? 

Not  this,  my  child. 

Shall  I  wish  my  boy  the  noble  heir 
To  mines  of  gold  and  to  jewels  rare, — 
A  mighty  place  in  the  world's  estate, 
And  a  lofty  home  with  the  wealthy  great  ? 
Not  this,  my  child. 

Shall  I  wish  for  thee  an  honored  name, 
That  shall  stand  on  the  golden  rolls  of  fame ; 
That  thy  deeds  may  be  echoed  along  Time's  shore, 
Till  the  echoes  of  Time  shall  be  heard  no  more  ? 
Not  this,  my  child. 


58  WnAT     SHALL    I    WISH     THEE? 

But  oh  !  for  my  child,  an  humble  seat 
On  Calvary's  Mount,  at  Jesus'  feet ; 
And  a  home,  at  last,  in  the  happy  plains 
Where  the  glorious  Saviour  ever  reigns. 
God  grant  thee  this 


Think  not  that  conquest  hath  only  a  dower, 
For  such  as  can  reach  to  the  pinacled  tower ; 
High  climbers,  high  flyers,  may  slip,  and  may  fall, 
While  the  slow  and  the  steady  may  distance  them  all. 
Doing  our  duty,  and  filling  our  part, 
Lightens  the  footstep,  and  gladdens  the  heart. 


59 


HEAVEN. 

We  speak  of  the  realms  of  the  blest, 
That  country  so  bright  and  so  fair, 

And  oft  are  its  glories  confessed ; 
But  what  must  it  be  to  be  there  ! 

We  speak  of  its  pathways  of  gold, 
Its  walls  decked  with  jewels  so  rare, 

Its  wonders  and  pleasure  untold ; 
But  what  must  it  be  to  be  there  ! 

We  speak  of  its  freedom  from  sin, 
From  sorrow,  temptation,  and  care, 

From  trials  without  and  within  ; 
But  what  must  it  be  to  be  there ! 


60  HEAVEN. 

We  speak  of  its  service  of  love, 

The  robes  which  the  glorified  wear3 

The  songs  of  the  blessed  above ; 
But  what  must  it  be  to  be  there ! 

Do  thou,  Lord,  midst  pleasure  or  woe, 
For  Heaven  our  spirits  prepare, 

That  shortly  we  also  may  know, 
And  feel  what  it  is  to  be  there  ! 


61 


BE  KIND. 

Be  kind  to  thy  father ;  for  when  thou  wert  young 

Who  loved  thee  so  fondly  as  he  ? 
He  caught  the  first  accents  that  fell  from  thy  tongue, 

And  joined  in  thine  innocent  glee. 
Be  kind  to  thy  father ;  for  now  he  is  old, 

His  locks  intermingled  with  gray ; 
His  footsteps  are  feeble,  once  fearless  and  bold, — 

Thy  father  is  passing  away. 

Be  kind  to  thy  mother ;  for  lo !  on  her  brow, 

May  traces  of  sorrow  be  seen ; 
0  well  mayst  thou  cherish  and  comfort  her  now, 

For  loving  and  kind  hath  she  been. 
Remember  thy  mother ;  for  thee  will  she  pray, 

As  long  as  God  giveth  her  breath ; 


62  BE     KIND. 

With  accents  of  kindness  then  cheer  her  lone  way, 
E'en  to  the  dark  valley  of  death. 

Be  kind  to  thy  brother ;  his  heart  will  have  dearth 

If  the  smile  of  thy  love  be  withdrawn ; 
The  bright  flowers  of  feeling  will  fade  at  their  birth, 

If  the  dew  of  affection  be  gone. 
Be  kind  to  thy  brother;  wherever  you  are, 

The  love  of  a  brother  shall  be 
An  ornament  purer  and  richer  by  far, 

Than  pearls  from  the  depths  of  the  sea. 

Be  kind  to  thy  sister ;  not  many  may  know, 

The  depth  of  true  sisterly  love ; 
The  wealth  of  the  ocean  lies  fathoms  below 

The  surface  that  sparkles  above. 
Thy  kindness  shall  bring  to  thee  many  sweet  hours, 

And  blessings  thy  pathway  to  crown ; 
Affection  shall  weave  thee  a  garland  of  flowers, 

More  precious  than  wealth  or  renown. 


63 


BUY  THE  TRUTH. 

Go  thou,  in  life's  fair  morning, 

Go,  in  the  bloom  of  youth, 
And  buy,  for  thine  adorning, 

The  precious  pearl  of  truth. 
Secure  this  heavenly  treasure, 

And  bind  it  on  thy  heart, 
And  let  no  worldly  pleasure 

E'er  cause  it  to  depart. 

Go,  while  the  daystar  shineth, 
Go,  while  thy  heart  is  light, 

Go,  ere  thy  strength  declineth, 
While  every  sense  is  bright. 


64  BUY    THE     TRUTH. 

Sell  all  thou  hast  and  buy  it, 
'Tis  worth  all  earthly  things, 

Rubies  and  gold  and  diamonds, 
Sceptres  and  crowns  of  kings. 

Go,  ere  the  cloud  of  sorrow 

Steal  o'er  the  bloom  of  youth, 
Defer  not  till  to-morrow, 

Go  now,  and  buy  the  truth. 
Go,  seek  thy  great  Creator, 

Learn  early  to  be  wise ; 
Go,  place  upon  the  altar 

A  morn  in g  sacrifice. 


65 


THE  WASP  IN  THE  PEAR. 

It  was  near  to  the  close  of  an  autumn  day, 
When  Willy  ran  into  the  orchard  to  play ; 
Or  rather,  to  look  if  perchance  there  might  be 
A  pear  that  had  dropped  from  his  favorite  tree ; 
So  thither  he  scampered,  and  presently  found 
A  beautiful  one,  which  lay  there  on  the  ground. 
Its  colors  were  rich,  and  he  knew  it  was  sweet ; 
So  he  seized  it  with  joy,  and  began  it  to  eat. 
0 !  how  happy  was  he  thus  its  juices  to  taste ; 
But  alas !  his  enjoyment  was  speedily  chased, 
For  a  wasp  was  concealed  in  the  pulp  of  the  pear, 
And  Willy  soon  painfully  found  it  was  there ; 

5 


65  THE     WASP     IN     THE     PEAR. 

For,  pressed  in  his  mouth,  the  passionate  thing 
Pierced  his  tongue  and  his  lips  with  its  venomous 

sting. 
With  screams  and  with  tears  to  his  mother  he  ran, 
Who  at  once  to  reprove  and  relieve  him  began ; 
And  the  means  which  a  mother  knows  how  to  employ, 
Soon  abated  the  pain  of  her  much-beloved  boy. 
But  she  thought  an  event  which  such  anguish  had 

caused, 
Bestowed  an  occasion  too  good  to  be  lost, 
For  storing  with  cautions  the  mind  of  her  son, 
Which  might  guide  and  preserve  him  as  life  should 

roll  on. 
"Ah  !  Willy,"  she  said,  "there  are  hundreds  of  things 
That  are  lovely  without,  but  within  have  their  stings. 
When  Pleasure  allures  thee,  take  heed  of  her  snare, 
Else,  oft  thou  wilt  find  there's  a  wasp  in  the  pear. 
Thus  the  drink  of  the  drunkard  doth  thousands  entice; 
How  transient  the  pleasure,  how  fearful  its  price ! 


THE    WASP    IN     THE     PEAR.  67 

Health,  money,  friends,  peace,  are  but  part  of  the  cost; 

Reputation  and  life,  and  the  soul,  too,  are  lost. 

The  joy  of  an  hour  or  two,  after  it  brings 

Guilt,  piercing  the  conscience  with  terrible  stings. 

In  this  world  the  anguish  is  oftentimes  great, 

But  a  doom  far  more  dreadful  doth  drunkards  await. 

0  then,  Willy,  when  tempted  to  taste  it,  beware ; 

And  always  remember  the  wasp  in  the  pear." 


G8 


THE  HONEST  BOY. 

Once  there  was  a  little  boy, 

With  curly  hair  and  pleasant  eye ; 

A  boy  who  always  told  the  truth, 
And  never,  never  told  a  lie. 

And  when  he  trotted  off  to  school, 
The  children  all  about  would  cry, 

:i  There  goes  the  curly-headed  boy, 
The  boy  that  never  tells  a  lie." 

And  every  body  loved  him  so, 
Because  he  always  told  the  truth, 

That  every  day  as  he  grew  up, 

'Twas  said,  "  There  goes  the  honest  youth." 


TnE    HONEST    BOY.  69 

And  when  the  people  that  stood  near. 

Would  turn  to  ask  the  reason  why, 
The  answer  would  be  always  this, 

"  Because  he  never  tells  a  lie." 


ASPIRATIONS  FOR  YOUTH. 

Help  me  while  I  yet  am  young, 
Gracious  Saviour,  every  day, 
To  watch  my  heart,  my  eyes,  my  tongue, 
All  I  do,  and  think,  and  say. 
I  would  depart  from  sin-j 
0,  aid  me  to  depart ; 
Thou  who  canst  make  me  pure  within, 
Come,  sanctify  my  heart. 


70 


THE  LITTLE  CANDLE. 

Cheerfully  the  little  work-girl  sat, 

And  swift  her  needle  flew ; 
While  the  dark  shadows  of  the  night, 

Their  gloom  around  her  threw. 
A  little  light  alone  was  hers, 

As  there  she  sat  and  wrought ; 
And  well  she  knew  how  dear  to  prize, 

What  her  own  toil  had  bought. 
"  I  must  be  quick,"  she  musing  said, 

"  My  little  candle  wanes, 
And  swiftly  must  my  task  go  on, 

While  yet  its  light  remains." 
And  then  she  plied,  with  wondrous  skill, 

The  little  shining  steel ; 


THE    LITTLE    CANDLE.  71 

And  every  ray  of  that  small  light 

Smiled  on  her  patient  zeal. 
Ere  the  last  glimmer  died  away, 

Her  task  was  neatly  clone : 
Sweet  was  her  rest,  and  joy  to  her 

Came  with  the  morning  sun. 
Ah !  is  not  life  a  little  light, 

That  soon  will  cease  to  burn; 
And  should  not  we,  from  that  dear  girl, 

A  solemn  lesson  learn  ? 
While  yet  our  little  candle  shines, 

Be  all  our  powers  employed; 
And  while  we  strive  to  do  our  task, 

Life  shall  be  best  enjoyed. 
And  let  us  ne'er  in  darkened  hours, 

Forget  what  Christ  hath  done, 
But  patient  in  sweet  hope  await 

The  glorious  rising  sun. 


72 


FOR  A  LITTLE  CHILD. 

Lord,  look  upon  a  little  child, 
By  nature  sinful,  rude,  and  wild  ; 
Oh  !  put  Thy  gracious  hands  on  me, 
And  make  me  all  I  ought  to  be. 

Make  me  Thy  child,  a  child  of  God, 
Washed  in  my  precious  Saviour's  blood ; 
And  my  whole  heart  from  sin  set  free, 
A  little  vessel  fit  for  Thee. 

A  star  of  early  dawn,  and  bright, 
Shining  within  with  sacred  light ; 
A  beam  of  grace  to  all  around, 
A  little  spot  of  hallow'd  ground. 


A  G  A I  N  S  T    V  A  N I T  Y.  Jo 

Oh  Jesus,  take  me  to  Thy  breast, 
And  bless  me,  then  I  shall  be  blest ; 
Both  when  I  wake,  and  when  I  sleep, 
Thy  little  lamb  in  safety  keep. 


AGAINST  VANITY. 

How  proud  we  are,  how  fond  to  show 
Our  clothes,  and  call  them  rich  and  new ; 
When  the  poor  sheep  and  silk-worm  wore 
That  very  clothing  long  before. 

The  tulip  and  the  butterfly 

Appear  in  gayer  coats  than  I ; 

Let  me  be  dressed  fine  as  I  will, 

Flies,  worms,  and  flowers,  exceed  me  still. 


71 


TRY  AGAIN. 

Gentle  young  maidens,  and  brave  little  men, 
Never  despair  !  try  again  and  again  ! 
Life  hath  no  royal  bowers,  fair  to  behold, 
Draped  with  vermilion,  and  paved  with  gold. 
Duty's  no  garden-path,  sodded  with  moss, 
Smoothed  from  the  rugged,  the  crooked,  the  cross. 
Time  hath  no  space  to  be  languid  or  weary ; 
Forward,  the  march  of  the  hopeful  and  cheery ! 
Not  to  the  swift  is  the  battle  of  life, 
Not  to  the  strong  is  the  guerdon  of  strife, 
Not  to  the  proud  is  the  crown  of  success, 
Not  for  the  haughty  brow  honor's  caress. 
Only  the  patient,  the  steadfast,  and  lowly, 
Win  the  true  wreath  that  is  fadeless  and  holy ; 
The  bold  and  ambitious  may  strive  all  in  vain. 
The  goal  will  be  reached  but  by  trying  again. 


75 


ANGRY  WORDS. 

Angry  words !  0,  let  them  never 

From  the  tongue  unbridled  slip ; 
May  the  heart's  last  impulse  ever 

Check  them,  ere  they  soil  the  lip. 
Love  is  much  too  pure  and  holy, 

Friendship  is  too  sacred  far, 
For  a  moment's  reckless  folly, 

Thus  to  desolate  and  mar. 
Angry  words  are  lightly  spoken, 

Bitterest  thoughts  are  rashly  stirred, 
Brightest  links  of  life  are  broken, 

By  a  single  angry  word. 
Gently  speak  then !  tones  of  favor 

Melt  the  angry  heart  within ; 
Imitate  our  blessed  Saviour, 

Whose  soft  words  turned  men  from  sin. 


76 


AT  EVENING  TIME  IT  SHALL  BE  LIGHT 

Walk  with  the  Lord  at  morn, 

When  every  scene  is  fair, 
When  opening  buds  the  boughs  adorn. 

And  fragrance  fills  the  air ; 

Ere  yet  the  rosy  dawn  awake, 

And  in  thy  being's  pride, 
In  the  first  blush  of  beauty  make 

Omnipotence  thy  guide. 

Walk  with  the  Lord  at  noon, 

When  fervid  suns  are  high, 
And  pleasure,  with  a  treacherous  boon. 

Allureth  manhood's  eye. 


AT    EVENING    TIME    IT    SHALL    BE     LIGHT.       77 

Then  with  the  diamond  shield  of  prayer, 

Thy  soul's  opposers  meet, 
And  crush  the  thorns  of  sin  and  care, 

That  bind  the  pilgrim's  feet. 


Walk  with  the  Lord  at  eve 


When  twilight  dews  descend, 
And  nature  seems  a  shroud  to  wear, 
As  for  some  smitten  friend. 


As  slow  the  lonely  moments  glide 
On  mournful  wings  away, 

Cling  closer,  closer,  to  His  side, 
For  He  shall  be  thy  stay ! 

And  shouldst  thou  linger  still, 
Till  midnight  spreads  her  pall, 

And  age  lament,  with  bosom  chilled. 
Thy  buried  earthly  all, 


73        AT    EVENING    TIME    IT     SHALL     BE    LIGHT, 

Thy  withered  eye  a  signal  bright, 

Beyond  the  tomb  shall  see, 
That  He  who  was  thy  morning  light, 

Thy  God,  shall  walk  with  thee. 


Kind  angels,  perchance,  bend  down  and  bless 
Each  hidden  struggle  for  good  success ; 
And  the  Saviour  taketh  account  of  all, 
And  strength  imparts  to  the  weak  and  small. 
Then,  u  arm"  for  the  battle-field  within, 
For  a  hearty  struggle  with  self  and  sin ; 
Combat  temptations  with  might  and  main, 
Though  the  foe  be  strong,  "let  us  try  again." 


79 


FOR  AN  ORPHAN. 

My  Father  and  my  Friend,  to  Thee 

I  lift  my  weeping  eye ; 
For  Thou  canst  wash  away  my  tears, 

And  all  my  wants  supply. 

No  tender  mother's  gentle  smile, 
Each  morn  awaits  me  now ; 

No  more  the  fond  maternal  kiss 
Is  pressed  upon  my  brow. 

No  longer  in  her  arms  of  love, 

I  lay  me  down  to  rest, 
Secure  and  peaceful  as  the  dove 

Within  its  sheltered  nest. 


80  FOR    AN    ORPHAN. 

An  orphan,  in  the  cold,  wide  world, 
Dear  Lord,  I  come  to  Thee ; 

Thou  Father  of  the  fatherless, 
My  Friend  and  Father  be. 

0,  guide  and  guard  me  by  Thy  grace, 
And  make  my  heart  Thy  own, 

And  fit  me  for  that  happy  place, 
Where  partings  are  unknown. 


THE     END. 


